What happens when a seasoned real estate investor decides to dive into coworking? James Westbrook, co-owner of Magnolia Woods, shares his journey from corporate sales to running two successful coworking spaces in the Houston suburbs. We talk about the challenges of expansion, why office-heavy coworking models work in his market, and the strategies that keep his spaces full.

In this episode:

How James transitioned from real estate investing to launching coworking spaces
The pros and cons of owning vs. leasing coworking properties
Why private offices are the key revenue driver in his suburban market
Marketing and lead generation strategies that actually work (including what didn't)
The power of community in coworking—without forcing happy hours

If you're an operator thinking about expansion or a real estate investor eyeing coworking, this episode is packed with insights!

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/

James' LinkedIn profile

Magnolia Woods website

Everything Coworking Featured Resources:

Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space

Coworking Startup School

Community Manager University

Clue #1 (español) | The Great Coffee Break Treasure Hunt 2025

Coffee Break Spanish

A Tall Proud Tower Overlooking the City

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